How Smoking Affects Your Digestive System?

Smoking affects your overall health, especially your digestive system. Smoking harms all parts of the human digestive system, causing various disorders like heartburn and peptic ulcers. Here are various health problems related to the digestive system caused by smoking.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a symptom of a syndrome – gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This syndrome occurs when the acidic juices in the stomach flow backward into the esophagus – the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Your esophagus does not have the natural protection your stomach has.

Lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus, keeps the acidic juices in the stomach and does not allow them to get into the esophagus. Smoking weakens the LES, and allows stomach acid to flow into the esophagus. This in turn injures or damages the esophagus.

In fact, according to studies, chronic heartburn, or GERD, affects approximately 20% of adults, and smokers are 70% more likely to experience GERD symptoms than nonsmokers. It’s crucial to understand that continued smoking increases the frequency of heartburn episodes, contributing to a reduced quality of life.

Peptic Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the beginning of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are caused by bacterial infections, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents like aspirin and ibuprofen, and cancerous tumors in the stomach or pancreas.

Research shows that smokers are more at the risk of peptic ulcers. If anyone with an ulcer keeps smoking, their ulcer may not heal or may take more time to heal. People have better chances of healing the ulcer if they stop smoking.

What many don’t realize is that smokers are nearly twice as likely to develop peptic ulcers compared to non-smokers. Smoking increases the production of stomach acid, which can worsen ulcers. Additionally, smokers experience a higher recurrence rate of peptic ulcers even after treatment.

Liver Disease

The liver is an important organ that processes drugs, alcohol, and other toxins, and removes them from the body. Research studies show that smoking decreases the liver’s ability to process such substances. In some cases, if smoking damages the liver, it also affects the dose of medication needed to treat an illness.

Chronic smoking also has a strong connection to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Approximately 25% of the world’s population is affected by NAFLD, and smokers are at a significantly higher risk. Continued smoking worsens liver inflammation, which can lead to liver fibrosis or even cirrhosis over time.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease causes swelling deep in the lining of the intestine, and also causes pain and diarrhea. Research shows that smokers are at a higher risk of Crohn’s disease than nonsmokers. Smokers with Crohn’s disease are at a higher risk of relapse, repeat surgery, and need for drug therapy. Smoking can also lower the intestine’s defenses, decrease blood flow to the intestines, or cause immune system changes that result in inflammation.

In addition to this, statistics indicate that smokers with Crohn’s disease are up to four times more likely to require surgical intervention than nonsmokers. Smoking not only triggers flare-ups but also contributes to the more aggressive progression of the disease, which results in a greater need for medical management.

Gallstones

Several studies show that smoking may increase the risk of developing gallstones. However, research results on this topic are not consistent, and more study is needed.

Although more research is needed to fully understand the relationship, some studies suggest that smokers may face a 20-30% higher chance of gallstone formation. This risk is partially attributed to smoking’s impact on bile composition and the functioning of the gallbladder. The reduction in bile flow caused by smoking may also contribute to this increased risk.

Additional Effects of Smoking on the Digestive System

In addition to the well-known digestive issues, smoking contributes to the following complications:

Pancreatitis

Smoking is a major risk factor for developing pancreatitis, both acute and chronic forms. The pancreas plays a critical role in digestion by producing enzymes that break down food in the small intestine. Studies show that smokers are at a higher risk of pancreatitis, with smokers being twice as likely to develop chronic pancreatitis than nonsmokers. This condition not only leads to severe abdominal pain but can also impair digestion and nutrient absorption over time.

Colon Cancer

Smoking has also been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Research suggests that smokers are up to 20% more likely to develop colorectal cancer than nonsmokers. The harmful chemicals in tobacco can alter the cells in the colon lining, leading to the formation of cancerous growths over time. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, with smoking contributing to its prevalence. Regular screenings and quitting smoking can help reduce this risk.

Delayed Healing Post-Surgery

Smoking delays healing after digestive surgeries such as those for ulcers, Crohn’s disease, or gallbladder removal. Smokers experience slower recovery due to reduced blood flow and oxygenation in the body. This delay not only prolongs hospital stays but also increases the risk of postoperative complications. Quitting smoking before surgery improves healing outcomes significantly.

The Path to Recovery

Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of digestive diseases. Within weeks of quitting, the body begins to repair itself. Blood flow to the digestive organs improves, inflammation decreases, and symptoms like heartburn become less frequent. Over time, the risk of conditions like ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and pancreatitis reduces significantly.

It’s important to seek medical help when needed and consider cessation programs. Studies show that quitting smoking reduces the risk of GERD by up to 50%, and individuals who stop smoking also lower their risk of developing ulcers and Crohn’s disease significantly. The benefits of quitting are not only long-term but also begin almost immediately, making it a vital step towards better digestive health.